U.S. patent application number 15/176544 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-14 for content quality assessment and prediction via flows.
The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, LP. Invention is credited to Lee Begeja, David Crawford Gibbon, Raghuraman Gopalan, Zhu Liu, Yadong Mu, Bernard S. Renger, Behzad Shahraray, Eric Zavesky.
Application Number | 20170359242 15/176544 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60574184 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170359242 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zavesky; Eric ; et
al. |
December 14, 2017 |
CONTENT QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND PREDICTION VIA FLOWS
Abstract
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example,
analyzing content flow data in a communication network to obtain
flow statistics; the statistics are aggregated to construct a model
of the content flow based on the aggregated flow statistics.
Operations of network nodes are predicted based on the model; a
content delivery path in the communication network is identified. A
quality of service is detected for network nodes on the content
delivery path. The detected quality of service is compared with a
predicted quality of service based on the model; a network anomaly
is detected based on the comparing. The content flow on the content
delivery path is adjusted responsive to detection of the network
anomaly. Other embodiments are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Zavesky; Eric; (Austin,
TX) ; Begeja; Lee; (Gillette, NJ) ; Gibbon;
David Crawford; (Lincroft, NJ) ; Gopalan;
Raghuraman; (Union City, CA) ; Liu; Zhu;
(Marlboro, NJ) ; Mu; Yadong; (Middletown, NJ)
; Renger; Bernard S.; (New Providence, NJ) ;
Shahraray; Behzad; (Holmdel, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, LP |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60574184 |
Appl. No.: |
15/176544 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 41/142 20130101;
H04L 45/302 20130101; H04L 43/026 20130101; H04L 45/28 20130101;
H04L 45/48 20130101; Y02D 30/50 20200801; Y02D 50/30 20180101; H04L
41/147 20130101; H04L 47/24 20130101; H04L 45/70 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 12/26 20060101
H04L012/26; H04L 12/24 20060101 H04L012/24 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: analyzing, by a processing system including
a processor, data regarding a content flow in a communication
network to obtain flow statistics, wherein the communication
network comprises a plurality of network nodes including devices,
edge nodes, and content sources; aggregating, by the processing
system, the flow statistics to generate aggregated flow statistics;
constructing, by the processing system, a first model of the
content flow based on the aggregated flow statistics; identifying,
by the processing system, a content delivery path in the
communication network; detecting, by the processing system, a
quality of service for each of a plurality of the network nodes on
the content delivery path; comparing, by the processing system, the
detected quality of service with a predicted quality of service
based on the first model; detecting, by the processing system, a
network anomaly based on the comparing; and adjusting, by the
processing system, the content flow on the content delivery path
responsive to detection of the network anomaly.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusting the content flow
comprises modifying, by the processing system, operations of at
least a portion of the plurality of network nodes.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the modifying the operations
comprises initiating, by the processing system, a self-healing
process.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising obtaining, by the
processing system, the data by logging the content flow in the
communication network at a router, a switch, or a server.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the content flow comprises a byte
count of content being delivered via the network over a specified
time interval.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the obtaining the data comprises
logging the content flow at a client device.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusting the content flow
comprises modifying the delivery path by adding a first network
node, removing a second network node, or a combination thereof.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: constructing, by the
processing system, a second model for operation of a device on the
network; obtaining, by the processing system, flow data for the
device; comparing, by the processing system, the flow data with the
second model to obtain a flow difference for the device; and
detecting, by the processing system, a performance anomaly of the
device by comparing a threshold with the flow difference.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the threshold is dynamically
adjusted.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: evaluating, by the
processing system, a network health condition based on the quality
of service for each of the plurality of the network nodes on the
content delivery path; and generating, by the processing system, a
report of the network health condition.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, by the
processing system, to equipment of a user a suggested modification
of the network to mitigate the network anomaly.
12. A device comprising: a processing system including a processor;
and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when
executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of
operations comprising: obtaining data regarding a content flow in a
communication network by logging the content flow at a network
component, wherein the communication network comprises a plurality
of network nodes including devices, edge nodes, and content
sources, and wherein the network component comprises a router, a
switch, a server, or a combination thereof; analyzing the data to
obtain flow statistics; aggregating the flow statistics to generate
aggregated flow statistics; constructing a first model of the
content flow based on the aggregated flow statistics; identifying a
content delivery path in the communication network; detecting a
quality of service for each of a plurality of the network nodes on
the content delivery path; comparing the detected quality of
service with a predicted quality of service based on the first
model; detecting a network anomaly based on the comparing; and
initiating a self-healing process for the network, responsive to
detecting the network anomaly.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the content flow comprises a
byte count of content being delivered via the network over a
specified time interval.
14. The device of claim 12, wherein the obtaining the data
comprises logging the content flow at a client device.
15. The device of claim 12, wherein the operations further
comprise: constructing a second model for operation of a device on
the network; obtaining flow data for the device; comparing the flow
data with the second model to obtain a flow difference for the
device; and detecting a performance anomaly of the device by
comparing a threshold with the flow difference.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the threshold is dynamically
adjusted.
17. A machine-readable storage medium comprising executable
instructions that, when executed by a processing system including a
processor, facilitate performance of operations comprising:
obtaining data regarding a content flow in a communication network
by logging the content flow at a network component, wherein the
communication network comprises a plurality of network nodes
including devices, edge nodes, and service providers, and wherein
the network component comprises a router, a switch, a server, or a
combination thereof; analyzing the data to obtain flow statistics;
aggregating the flow statistics to generate aggregated statistics;
constructing a first model of the content flow based on the
aggregated flow statistics; identifying a content delivery path in
the communication network; detecting a quality of service for each
of a plurality of the network nodes on the content delivery path;
comparing the detected quality of service with a predicted quality
of service based on the first model; detecting a network anomaly
based on the comparing; initiating a self-healing process for the
network, responsive to detecting the network anomaly; and
evaluating a network health condition based on the quality of
service for each of the plurality of the network nodes on the
content delivery path.
18. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the
content flow comprises a byte count of content being delivered via
the network.
19. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the
operations further comprise: predicting operations of a network
node based on the first model; and modifying operations of a
network node based on the prediction.
20. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein the
modifying comprises adjusting bandwidth of a network node,
redirecting traffic at the network node, adding a first resource to
the network, removing a second resource from the network, or a
combination thereof.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The subject disclosure relates to delivering content over a
network, and more particularly to a system and method for assessing
and predicting content delivery quality.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The expansion of content delivery networks (CDNs), including
encrypted content channels (for example, HTTPS, HLS, etc.) has
introduced challenges in assuring service quality. One conventional
approach is Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), which involves examining
packet data as it passes an inspection point on a network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0004] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates methods for assessing and
predicting quality of service on a network, according to
embodiments of the disclosure;
[0005] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a system implementing the
methods of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a procedure for
characterization of content and services delivered on a
network;
[0007] FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a procedure for
detecting anomalies in delivery of content and services on a
network;
[0008] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a procedure for
operation and repair predictions for nodes within the network or
devices that utilize a service;
[0009] FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a procedure for
testing a new network component (device or service) before
deployment on a network;
[0010] FIGS. 7-8 depict illustrative embodiments of communication
systems that provide media services in the system of FIG. 2;
[0011] FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal
for interacting with the communication systems of FIGS. 7-8;
[0012] FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a
communication device; and
[0013] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the
form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, when
executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the
methods described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The subject disclosure describes, among other things,
illustrative embodiments for assessing and predicting quality of
content flow on a network, using flow models for network devices
and services. Other embodiments are described in the subject
disclosure.
[0015] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
method comprising analyzing, by a processing system including a
processor, data regarding a content flow in a communication network
to obtain flow statistics; the communication network comprises a
plurality of nodes including devices, edge nodes, and service
providers. The method also comprises aggregating, by the processing
system, the flow statistics; constructing, by the processing
system, a model of the content flow based on the aggregated flow
statistics; predicting, by the processing system, operations of
network nodes based on the model; and identifying, by the
processing system, a content delivery path in the communication
network. The method further comprises detecting, by the processing
system, a quality of service for each of a plurality of locations
on the content delivery path; comparing, by the processing system,
the detected quality of service with a predicted quality of service
based on the model; detecting, by the processing system, a network
anomaly based on the comparing; and adjusting, by the processing
system, the content flow on the content delivery path responsive to
detection of the network anomaly.
[0016] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
processing system including a processor and a memory that stores
executable instructions that, when executed by the processing
system, facilitate performance of operations. The operations
comprise obtaining data regarding a content flow in a communication
network by logging the content flow at a network component; the
communication network comprises a plurality of nodes including
devices, edge nodes, and service providers, and the network
component comprises a router, a switch, a server, or a combination
thereof. The operations also comprise analyzing the data to obtain
flow statistics; aggregating the flow statistics; and constructing
a model of the content flow based on the aggregated flow
statistics. The operations further comprise predicting operations
of network nodes based on the model; and identifying a content
delivery path in the communication network. The operations also
comprise detecting a quality of service for each of a plurality of
locations on the content delivery path; comparing the detected
quality of service with a predicted quality of service based on the
model; detecting a network anomaly based on the comparing; and
initiating a self-healing process for the network, responsive to
detecting the network anomaly.
[0017] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
machine-readable storage medium comprising executable instructions
that, when executed by a processing system including a processor,
facilitate performance of operations comprising obtaining data
regarding a content flow in a communication network by logging the
content flow at a network component; the communication network
comprises a plurality of nodes including devices, edge nodes, and
service providers, and the network component comprises a router, a
switch, a server, or a combination thereof. The operations also
comprise analyzing the data to obtain flow statistics; aggregating
the flow statistics; and constructing a model of the content flow
based on the aggregated flow statistics. The operations further
comprise predicting operations of network nodes based on the model;
identifying a content delivery path in the communication network;
and detecting a quality of service for each of a plurality of
locations on the content delivery path. The operations also
comprise comparing the detected quality of service with a predicted
quality of service based on the model; detecting a network anomaly
based on the comparing; initiating a self-healing process for the
network, responsive to detecting the network anomaly; and
evaluating a network health condition based on the quality of
service for each of the plurality of locations on the content
delivery path.
[0018] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a method 100 for evaluating
and predicting service flow quality on a network, according to
embodiments of the disclosure. Method 100 includes processes for
characterization 110 of traffic flows on the network; detection 120
of anomalies in quality of service on the network; and prediction
130 of operations and repairs of network components. In embodiments
of the disclosure, data 112 regarding traffic flows on the network
is used to characterize devices (e.g. user devices) at network
endpoints, equipment (e.g. communications towers) at network edges,
and services (e.g. provision of content). In particular
embodiments, characterization 110 is performed by large-scale
aggregation of flow statistics. This permits construction of models
114 to describe network flows and to predict operation of various
network devices.
[0019] The characterized flow information also facilitates
formulation of quality thresholds 122 for any point on the network,
permitting detection of a service anomaly (degradation in service
quality) throughout the network. A system implementing method 100
can dynamically learn and adjust traffic for an endpoint device, an
edge node, or a service. Furthermore, in an embodiment, a model can
be shared between networks (after the flow data for a node, device
or network has been collected, recorded and aggregated); in
particular, the model can be shared for research or security
purposes. In this embodiment, the owner of the network with whom
the model is shared can learn about the performance of his network
and potential security threats to his network. In this embodiment,
model sharing between networks may be done anonymously.
[0020] Using the characterized flow information, a system
implementing this method can create operation and repair
predictions for nodes within the network or for devices that
utilize a service. In addition to the characterized flows and
models, the system can also gather information 132 regarding the
physical condition of a device. The system can then build a
database 134 of possible repairs to suggest for devices at various
locations.
[0021] FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system 200
implementing the methods of FIG. 1. As shown schematically in FIG.
2, network 201 can include a wide variety of devices, generally
including Internet-capable communication devices and various
devices for delivering content. In particular, network 201 can
include server 202 as a core component and tower 203 as an edge
component.
[0022] In the characterization process 210 of this embodiment,
network elements (e.g. routers, switches and servers) are
configured to capture flow information 212. In this embodiment,
flow on a content data path can be characterized in terms of a byte
count of content being delivered over the data path per unit time;
a flow value thus might be given as a number of bytes associated
with two time stamps (that is, the number of bytes delivered during
an interval beginning and ending at the respective timestamps). In
this embodiment, a more complete characterization of flow also
includes information regarding the content source, the network
edge, and the client (destination of the content). Aggregation 214
of flow statistics is performed for locations at the edge of the
network and at the core of the network. Flow data is grouped and
filtered 216 according to frequency, so that data on infrequently
occurring flows is discarded. The system can build or update models
218 for various network facets (locations, applications or services
having statistics associated with them).
[0023] In an embodiment, the system also evaluates 220 the overall
health of the network to provide quality of service (QoS) reports.
In an embodiment, a network health report includes past and present
performance deviations and identifies parts of the network or
network services that are acting as network stressors.
[0024] In the anomaly detection process 230 of this embodiment,
flows are compared 232 to known models. In an embodiment, the
system can predict 234 possible repairs for network nodes to
address service anomalies.
[0025] In the prediction process of this embodiment, the system can
use flow data to evaluate 240 a new device or service. In an
embodiment, the system can also simulate 250 a new service using
network flow models developed previously.
[0026] FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a flow
characterization procedure 300 used for network 201. In step 302,
network traffic flow statistics are obtained. In an embodiment,
this is done by logging network flows (e.g. byte counts of content
handled by a device); this information is annotated with
identifiers for the device, edge node, or content source. In step
304, large-scale aggregation of the flow statistics is performed
over time. In step 306, data for flows with low frequency at a
given source, edge node, or device is discarded after a set period
of time (aging out infrequently occurring flows).
[0027] Models for typical flows are then constructed (step 308)
using the aggregated flow statistics. A generalized model for
normal operation of the network may then be constructed. In
specific embodiments, models for particular devices and services
can be formulated, to assess the health of portions of the network
and to detect service anomalies at different locations. In an
embodiment, a model is formulated for each facet of the
network.
[0028] FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of an anomaly
detection procedure 400 using the models generated in procedure
300. In step 402, thresholds are formulated to define acceptable
quality of service levels. These thresholds can be adjusted over
time, according to network experience (dynamic thresholding).
Alternatively, a threshold may be predetermined as a level of a
selected network metric.
[0029] In step 404, various devices, edge locations, and services
are monitored to determine traffic flow behavior. In step 406,
these flow behaviors are compared with the applicable models; the
thresholds are used to determine whether an anomaly is
occurring.
[0030] If it is determined (step 408) that a threshold has been met
(that is, flow behavior is outside a normal range), procedures for
correcting a service anomaly are initiated. In an embodiment, the
anomaly is detected at a network node and the system reroutes
traffic flow around the node (step 410). In another embodiment, a
predicted repair solution (previously stored in the location-based
repair database) is implemented for the affected node (step
412).
[0031] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of an operation
and repair prediction procedure 500 for the network, performed by a
system such as system 200. The operation of each network node can
be predicted based on the model for that node and the flow data
relating to the node (step 502). In particular, run-time flow
information can be applied to the model to predict faults in
operation. The system can formulate possible modifications to
operations (step 504) to respond to fault conditions or to
dynamically improve quality of service (in accordance with the
network QoS health assessment performed by the system). These
modifications can include bandwidth changes, alternate IP routes,
or the start-up (or shutdown) of other resources. These operation
modifications can be automated (for example, within the network
core or a service provided over the network) or directly applied to
a client (step 506). A repair prediction can also include
information regarding the physical condition or location of a
device. In an embodiment, the system may suggest to a user that a
client device be relocated to obtain greater bandwidth.
[0032] In an embodiment, a suggested repair for a network location
involves flows for both a node at that location and the service
handled or provided by the node. More generally, pairing of service
and node flows permits more effective service improvements than a
suggestion relating to the node by itself. In another embodiment,
the system can use flow profiling and device profiling to identify
redundant paths (that is, paths with identical byte count/time
interval/source/edge/client signatures) or unused paths, and then
route those paths to obtain better network performance and/or
derive more revenue.
[0033] In an embodiment, detection of a network anomaly causes the
system to alert a user and suggest a repair to the user (step 508).
Alternatively, the system can initialize a self-healing process
(step 510) that includes suggested operation modifications. For
example, the system can restart a service to avoid or mitigate a
suspected denial-of-service attack. In particular embodiments, such
suggestions can be applied to any portion and any level of the
network, including end nodes (that is, user devices).
[0034] FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a procedure 600
for evaluating a new device or service prior to its being deployed
on the network. In step 602, operation of the new device or service
is characterized based on either a newly constructed model or
characterizations of existing similar components. In step 604, the
network can be characterized with the new component included; this
permits prediction of performance of the new component (step 606).
The new device or service can then be deployed on the network (step
608) with its own set of operation and repair predictions. It will
be appreciated that the term "device" does not necessarily refer to
a physical item connected in the network.
[0035] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIGS. 3-6, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0036] In addition, it will be appreciated that the system can
provide dynamic profiling of the network at a resource level (e.g.
network node, network edge, client device, etc.) for early
detection of faults, rather than passively monitoring performance
at a service level.
[0037] Furthermore, analysis and modeling of network components
based on flows permits characterization and prediction of network
operation independent of the type of content delivered by the
network. In particular, the methods described herein can be applied
independent of the type of encryption layers that may surround the
content.
[0038] FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first
communication system 700 for delivering media content. The
communication system 700 can represent an Internet Protocol
Television (IPTV) media system. Communication system 700 can be
overlaid or operably coupled with system 100 of FIG. 1 as another
representative embodiment of communication system 700. For
instance, one or more devices illustrated in the communication
system 700 of FIG. 7 can comprise a processing system including a
processor and a memory that stores executable instructions that,
when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance of
operations. The operations can comprise obtaining data regarding a
content flow in a communication network by logging the content flow
at a network component; the communication network comprises a
plurality of nodes including devices, edge nodes, and service
providers, and the network component comprises a router, a switch,
a server, or a combination thereof. The operations can also
comprise analyzing the data to obtain flow statistics; aggregating
the flow statistics; and constructing a model of the content flow
based on the aggregated flow statistics. The operations can further
comprise predicting operations of network nodes based on the model;
and identifying a content delivery path in the communication
network. The operations can also comprise detecting a quality of
service for each of a plurality of locations on the content
delivery path; comparing the detected quality of service with a
predicted quality of service based on the model; detecting a
network anomaly based on the comparing; and initiating a
self-healing process for the network, responsive to detecting the
network anomaly.
[0039] The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office
(SHO) 710 with at least one super headend office server (SHS) 711
which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial
communication systems. In the present context, media content can
represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as
2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still image
content, and combinations thereof. The SHS server 711 can forward
packets associated with the media content to one or more video
head-end servers (VHS) 714 via a network of video head-end offices
(VHO) 712 according to a multicast communication protocol.
[0040] The VHS 714 can distribute multimedia broadcast content via
an access network 718 to commercial and/or residential buildings
702 housing a gateway 704 (such as a residential or commercial
gateway). The access network 718 can represent a group of digital
subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central
office or a service area interface that provide broadband services
over fiber optical links or copper twisted pairs 719 to buildings
702. The gateway 704 can use communication technology to distribute
broadcast signals to media processors 706 such as Set-Top Boxes
(STBs) which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices
708 such as computers or television sets managed in some instances
by a media controller 707 (such as an infrared or RF remote
controller).
[0041] The gateway 704, the media processors 706, and media devices
708 can utilize tethered communication technologies (such as
coaxial, powerline or phone line wiring) or can operate over a
wireless access protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi),
Bluetooth.RTM., Zigbee.RTM., or other present or next generation
local or personal area wireless network technologies. By way of
these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invoked
between the media processors 706 and subsystems of the IPTV media
system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an
electronic programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure
services.
[0042] A satellite broadcast television system 729 can be used in
the media system of FIG. 7. The satellite broadcast television
system can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV
system as another representative embodiment of communication system
700. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 715
that include media content can be received by a satellite dish
receiver 731 coupled to the building 702. Modulated signals
received by the satellite dish receiver 731 can be transferred to
the media processors 706 for demodulating, decoding, encoding,
and/or distributing broadcast channels to the media devices 708.
The media processors 706 can be equipped with a broadband port to
an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 732 to enable
interactive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.
[0043] In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable
broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system 733 can be
overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or
the satellite TV system as another representative embodiment of
communication system 700. In this embodiment, the cable TV system
733 can also provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media
services. System 700 enables various types of interactive
television and/or services including IPTV, cable and/or
satellite.
[0044] The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next
generation over-the-air and/or landline media content services
system.
[0045] Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be
coupled to one or more computing devices 730, a portion of which
can operate as a web server for providing web portal services over
the ISP network 732 to wireline media devices 708 or wireless
communication devices 716.
[0046] Communication system 700 can also provide for all or a
portion of the computing devices 730 to function as a navigation
server (herein referred to as server 730). The server 730 can use
computing and communication technology to perform data processing
functions which can include, among other things, the aggregation of
network flow statistics described by method 300 of FIG. 3. For
instance, functions of server 730 can be similar to the functions
described for server 202 of FIG. 2 in accordance with method 300.
The media processors 706 and wireless communication devices 716 can
be provisioned with software functions to utilize the services of
server 730. For instance, functions of media processors 706 and
wireless communication devices 716 can be similar to the functions
described for device 101 in FIG. 1 in accordance with method
600.
[0047] Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media
devices over landline technologies such as those described above.
Additionally, media services can be offered to media devices by way
of a wireless access base station 717 operating according to common
wireless access protocols such as Global System for Mobile or GSM,
Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA, Time Division Multiple
Access or TDMA, Universal Mobile Telecommunications or UMTS, World
interoperability for Microwave or WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or
SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and so on. Other present and next
generation wide area wireless access network technologies can be
used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication
system 800 employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network
architecture to facilitate the combined services of
circuit-switched and packet-switched systems. Communication system
800 can be overlaid or operably coupled with system 100 of FIG. 1
and communication system 700 as another representative embodiment
of communication system 700. In particular, elements of system 700
can perform a method comprising analyzing, by a processing system
including a processor, data regarding a content flow in a
communication network to obtain flow statistics; the communication
network comprises a plurality of nodes including devices, edge
nodes, and service providers. The method can also comprise
aggregating, by the processing system, the flow statistics;
constructing, by the processing system, a model of the content flow
based on the aggregated flow statistics; predicting, by the
processing system, operations of network nodes based on the model;
and identifying, by the processing system, a content delivery path
in the communication network. The method can further comprise
detecting, by the processing system, a quality of service for each
of a plurality of locations on the content delivery path;
comparing, by the processing system, the detected quality of
service with a predicted quality of service based on the model;
detecting, by the processing system, a network anomaly based on the
comparing; and adjusting, by the processing system, the content
flow on the content delivery path responsive to detection of the
network anomaly.
[0049] Communication system 800 can comprise a Home Subscriber
Server (HSS) 840, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server 830, and
other network elements of an IMS network 850. The IMS network 850
can establish communications between IMS-compliant communication
devices (CDs) 801, 802, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
CDs 803, 805, and combinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway
Control Function (MGCF) 820 coupled to a PSTN network 860. The MGCF
820 need not be used when a communication session involves IMS CD
to IMS CD communications. A communication session involving at
least one PSTN CD may utilize the MGCF 820.
[0050] IMS CDs 801, 802 can register with the IMS network 850 by
contacting a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which
communicates with an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn,
communicates with a Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with
the HSS 840. To initiate a communication session between CDs, an
originating IMS CD 801 can submit a Session Initiation Protocol
(SIP INVITE) message to an originating P-CSCF 804 which
communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF 806. The
originating S-CSCF 806 can submit the SIP INVITE message to one or
more application servers (ASs) 817 that can provide a variety of
services to IMS subscribers.
[0051] For example, the application servers 817 can be used to
perform originating call feature treatment functions on the calling
party number received by the originating S-CSCF 806 in the SIP
INVITE message. Originating treatment functions can include
determining whether the calling party number has international
calling services, call ID blocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit
dialing, and/or is requesting special telephony features (e.g., *72
forward calls, *73 cancel call forwarding, *67 for caller ID
blocking, and so on). Based on initial filter criteria (iFCs) in a
subscriber profile associated with a CD, one or more application
servers may be invoked to provide various call originating feature
services.
[0052] Additionally, the originating S-CSCF 806 can submit queries
to the ENUM system 830 to translate an E.164 telephone number in
the SIP INVITE message to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI)
if the terminating communication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP
URI can be used by an Interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 807 to submit a
query to the HSS 840 to identify a terminating S-CSCF 814
associated with a terminating IMS CD such as reference 802. Once
identified, the I-CSCF 807 can submit the SIP INVITE message to the
terminating S-CSCF 814. The terminating S-CSCF 814 can then
identify a terminating P-CSCF 816 associated with the terminating
CD 802. The P-CSCF 816 may then signal the CD 802 to establish
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services, thereby
enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voice and/or
data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile,
one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various
call terminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not
disturb, music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing,
etc.
[0053] In some instances the aforementioned communication process
is symmetrical. Accordingly, the terms "originating" and
"terminating" in FIG. 8 may be interchangeable. It is further noted
that communication system 800 can be adapted to support video
conferencing. In addition, communication system 800 can be adapted
to provide the IMS CDs 801, 802 with the multimedia and Internet
services of communication system 700 of FIG. 7.
[0054] If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD
such as CD 803 or CD 805 (in instances where the cellular phone
only supports circuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM
system 830 can respond with an unsuccessful address resolution
which can cause the originating S-CSCF 806 to forward the call to
the MGCF 820 via a Breakout Gateway Control Function (BGCF) 819.
The MGCF 820 can then initiate the call to the terminating PSTN CD
over the PSTN network 860 to enable the calling and called parties
to engage in voice and/or data communications.
[0055] It is further appreciated that the CDs of FIG. 8 can operate
as wireline or wireless devices. For example, the CDs of FIG. 8 can
be communicatively coupled to a cellular base station 821, a
femtocell, a WiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless
Telecommunications (DECT) base unit, or another suitable wireless
access unit to establish communications with the IMS network 850 of
FIG. 8. The cellular access base station 821 can operate according
to common wireless access protocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS,
WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on. Other present and next generation
wireless network technologies can be used by one or more
embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly, multiple
wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used by the
CDs of FIG. 8.
[0056] Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched
voice and packet-switched data communications and thus may operate
as IMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular
base station 821 may communicate directly with the IMS network 850
as shown by the arrow connecting the cellular base station 821 and
the P-CSCF 816.
[0057] Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system,
component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware
and/or software. Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a
respective CSCF system having one or more computers or servers,
either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server
may be configured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any
method, step, or functionality described herein in accordance with
a respective CSCF. Likewise, other functions, servers and computers
described herein, including but not limited to, the HSS, the ENUM
server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can be embodied in a respective
system having one or more computers or servers, either centralized
or distributed, where each computer or server may be configured to
perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or
functionality described herein in accordance with a respective
function, server, or computer.
[0058] The server 730 of FIG. 7 can be operably coupled to
communication system 800 for purposes similar to those described
above. Server 730 can perform aggregation, modeling, and anomaly
detection functions and thereby provide repair suggestions to the
CDs 801, 802, 803 and 805 of FIG. 8, similar to the functions
described for server 202 of FIG. 1 in accordance with methods
300-400 of FIGS. 3-4. CDs 801, 802, 803 and 805, which can be
adapted with software to generate navigation directions to utilize
the map generation services of the server 730, similar to the
functions described for communication device 101 of FIG. 1 in
accordance with method 600 of FIG. 6. Server 730 can be an integral
part of the application server(s) 817 performing indexing,
aggregating and map generation which can be adapted to the
operations of the IMS network 850.
[0059] For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF,
I-CSCF, and so on, can be server devices, but may be referred to in
the subject disclosure without the word "server." It is also
understood that any form of a CSCF server can operate in a device,
system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed
hardware and software. It is further noted that these terms and
other terms such as DIAMETER commands are terms can include
features, methodologies, and/or fields that may be described in
whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3.sup.rd Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some or all
embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part
modify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed
standards published and promulgated by 3GPP.
[0060] FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal
902 of a communication system 900. Communication system 900 can be
overlaid or operably coupled with system 100 of FIG. 1,
communication system 700, and/or communication system 800 as
another representative embodiment of system 100 of FIG. 1,
communication system 700, and/or communication system 800. The web
portal 902 can be used for managing services of system 100 of FIG.
1 and communication systems 700-800. A web page of the web portal
902 can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with an
Internet browser using an Internet-capable communication device
such as those described in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 7-8. The web portal 902
can be configured, for example, to access a media processor 706 and
services managed thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a
Video on Demand (VoD) catalog, an Electronic Programming Guide
(EPG), or a personal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures,
audio recordings, etc.) stored at the media processor 706. The web
portal 902 can also be used for provisioning IMS services described
earlier, provisioning Internet services, provisioning cellular
phone services, and so on.
[0061] The web portal 902 can further be utilized to manage and
provision software applications to adapt these applications as may
be desired by subscribers and/or service providers of system 100 of
FIG. 1, and communication systems 700-800. For instance, users of
the services provided by server 202 or server 730 can log into
their on-line accounts and provision the server 202 or server 730
with contact information to enable the server to communicate with
devices described in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8, and so on. Service
providers can log onto an administrator account to provision,
monitor and/or maintain the system 200 of FIG. 2 or server 730.
[0062] FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a
communication device 1000. Communication device 1000 can serve in
whole or in part as an illustrative embodiment of the devices
depicted in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 7-8 and can be configured to perform
portions of methods 300-600 of FIGS. 3-6.
[0063] Communication device 1000 can comprise a wireline and/or
wireless transceiver 1002 (herein transceiver 1002), a user
interface (UI) 1004, a power supply 1014, a location receiver 1016,
a motion sensor 1018, an orientation sensor 1020, and a controller
1006 for managing operations thereof. The transceiver 1002 can
support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such
as Bluetooth.RTM., ZigBee.RTM., WiFi, DECT, or cellular
communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth.RTM.
and ZigBee.RTM. are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth.RTM.
Special Interest Group and the ZigBee.RTM. Alliance, respectively).
Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X,
UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as
other next generation wireless communication technologies as they
arise. The transceiver 1002 can also be adapted to support
circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),
packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,
etc.), and combinations thereof.
[0064] The UI 1004 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive
keypad 1008 with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a
joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations
of the communication device 1000. The keypad 1008 can be an
integral part of a housing assembly of the communication device
1000 or an independent device operably coupled thereto by a
tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless
interface supporting for example Bluetooth.RTM.. The keypad 1008
can represent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a
QWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 1004 can further
include a display 1010 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid
Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other
suitable display technology for conveying images to an end user of
the communication device 1000. In an embodiment where the display
1010 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all of the keypad 1008 can be
presented by way of the display 1010 with navigation features.
[0065] The display 1010 can use touch screen technology to also
serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch
screen display, the communication device 1000 can be adapted to
present a user interface with graphical user interface (GUI)
elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger.
The touch screen display 1010 can be equipped with capacitive,
resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect how much
surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of the
touch screen display. This sensing information can be used to
control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of
the user interface. The display 1010 can be an integral part of the
housing assembly of the communication device 1000 or an independent
device communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline
interface (such as a cable) or a wireless interface.
[0066] The UI 1004 can also include an audio system 1012 that
utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as
audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio
(such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system
1012 can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals
of an end user. The audio system 1012 can also be used for voice
recognition applications. The UI 1004 can further include an image
sensor 1013 such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for
capturing still or moving images.
[0067] The power supply 1014 can utilize common power management
technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply
regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for
supplying energy to the components of the communication device 1000
to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications.
Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize
external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical
interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering
technologies.
[0068] The location receiver 1016 can utilize location technology
such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of
assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device
1000 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS
satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services
such as navigation. The motion sensor 1018 can utilize motion
sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other
suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the
communication device 1000 in three-dimensional space. The
orientation sensor 1020 can utilize orientation sensing technology
such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the
communication device 1000 (north, south, west, and east, as well as
combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable
orientation metrics).
[0069] The communication device 1000 can use the transceiver 1002
to also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth.RTM.,
or other wireless access points by sensing techniques such as
utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal
time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The
controller 1006 can utilize computing technologies such as a
microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate
arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and/or a video
processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM,
SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executing computer
instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by the
aforementioned components of the communication device 1000.
[0070] Other components not shown in FIG. 10 can be used in one or
more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the
communication device 1000 can include a reset button (not shown).
The reset button can be used to reset the controller 1006 of the
communication device 1000. In yet another embodiment, the
communication device 1000 can also include a factory default
setting button positioned, for example, below a small hole in a
housing assembly of the communication device 1000 to force the
communication device 1000 to re-establish factory settings. In this
embodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or
paper clip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default
setting button. The communication device 1000 can also include a
slot for adding or removing an identity module such as a Subscriber
Identity Module (SIM) card. SIM cards can be used for identifying
subscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data,
and so forth.
[0071] The communication device 1000 as described herein can
operate with more or less of the circuit components shown in FIG.
10. These variant embodiments can be used in one or more
embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0072] The communication device 1000 can be adapted to perform the
functions of devices shown in FIG. 2, the media processor 706, the
media devices 708, or the portable communication devices 716 of
FIG. 7, as well as the IMS CDs 801-802 and PSTN CDs 803-805 of FIG.
8. It will be appreciated that the communication device 1000 can
also represent other devices that can operate in the system of FIG.
2 and communication systems 700-800 of FIGS. 7-8 such as a gaming
console and a media player. In addition, the controller 1006 can be
adapted in various embodiments to perform data indexing, data
aggregation, map generation, and generation of navigation
instructions.
[0073] Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be
evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said
embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing
from the scope of the claims described below. For example,
suggestions for improving performance of particular devices, based
on flow models for those devices, can be stored in a database for
use by a system administrator and thus applied to other devices on
the network. Similarly, suggestions for improving quality of
service on the network, based on generalized models for the
network, can be stored in a database for application to different
networks.
[0074] In additional embodiments, a system suggesting operation
modifications for a network component (based on flow models and
run-time flow information for that component) may implement
software to permit the component to negotiate with the system
regarding which modifications are to be applied. In a further
embodiment, a service that uses intelligent caching (based on time
or location) can be characterized. In another embodiment, a model
for a service can be formulated to accommodate individual
preferences of a service user.
[0075] In a further embodiment, a system operator can deliberately
reshape flows (e.g. by limiting resources); the system will then
adapt to the operator-defined shape without generating a network
fault alarm. Other embodiments can be used in the subject
disclosure.
[0076] It should be understood that devices described in the
exemplary embodiments can be in communication with each other via
various wireless and/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can
be links that are described as coupled, connected and so forth,
which can include unidirectional and/or bidirectional communication
over wireless paths and/or wired paths that utilize one or more of
various protocols or methodologies, where the coupling and/or
connection can be direct (e.g., no intervening processing device)
and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediary processing device such as a
router).
[0077] FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of
a machine in the form of a computer system 1100 within which a set
of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform
any one or more of the methods described above. One or more
instances of the machine can operate, for example, as the server
730, the media processor 706, the server 180, the database 190, and
other devices of FIGS. 1-2. In some embodiments, the machine may be
connected (e.g., using a network 1126) to other machines. In a
networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a
server or a client user machine in a server-client user network
environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or
distributed) network environment.
[0078] The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user
computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a
laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network
router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set
of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to
be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a
communication device of the subject disclosure includes broadly any
electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication.
Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine"
shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that
individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of
instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed
herein.
[0079] The computer system 1100 may include a processor (or
controller) 1102 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a
graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory 1104 and a
static memory 1106, which communicate with each other via a bus
1108. The computer system 1100 may further include a display unit
1110 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a
solid state display). The computer system 1100 may include an input
device 1112 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 1114 (e.g.,
a mouse), a disk drive unit 1116, a signal generation device 1118
(e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device
1120. In distributed environments, the embodiments described in the
subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units
1110 controlled by two or more computer systems 1100. In this
configuration, presentations described by the subject disclosure
may in part be shown in a first of the display units 1110, while
the remaining portion is presented in a second of the display units
1110.
[0080] The disk drive unit 1116 may include a tangible
computer-readable storage medium 1122 on which is stored one or
more sets of instructions (e.g., software 1124) embodying any one
or more of the methods or functions described herein, including
those methods illustrated above. The instructions 1124 may also
reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory
1104, the static memory 1106, and/or within the processor 1102
during execution thereof by the computer system 1100. The main
memory 1104 and the processor 1102 also may constitute tangible
computer-readable storage media.
[0081] Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not
limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable
logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed
to implement the methods described herein. Application specific
integrated circuits and programmable logic array can use
downloadable instructions for executing state machines and/or
circuit configurations to implement embodiments of the subject
disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems
of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and
computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or
more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with
related control and data signals communicated between and through
the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated
circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software,
firmware, and hardware implementations.
[0082] In accordance with various embodiments of the subject
disclosure, the operations or methods described herein are intended
for operation as software programs or instructions running on or
executed by a computer processor or other computing device, and
which may include other forms of instructions manifested as a state
machine implemented with logic components in an application
specific integrated circuit or field programmable gate array.
Furthermore, software implementations (e.g., software programs,
instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to, distributed
processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel
processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed
to implement the methods described herein. It is further noted that
a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a state
machine or other suitable device for executing instructions to
perform operations or methods may perform such operations directly
or indirectly by way of one or more intermediate devices directed
by the computing device.
[0083] While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 1122 is
shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term
"tangible computer-readable storage medium" should be taken to
include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or
distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that
store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "tangible
computer-readable storage medium" shall also be taken to include
any non-transitory medium that is capable of storing or encoding a
set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the
machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the subject
disclosure. The term "non-transitory" as in a non-transitory
computer-readable storage includes without limitation memories,
drives, devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.
[0084] The term "tangible computer-readable storage medium" shall
accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state
memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or
more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or
other re-writable (volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical
medium such as a disk or tape, or other tangible media which can be
used to store information. Accordingly, the disclosure is
considered to include any one or more of a tangible
computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein and including
art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the
software implementations herein are stored.
[0085] Although the present specification describes components and
functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to
particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited
to such standards and protocols. Each of the standards for Internet
and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP,
UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art.
Such standards are from time-to-time superseded by faster or more
efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions.
Wireless standards for device detection (e.g., RFID), short-range
communications (e.g., Bluetooth.RTM., WiFi, Zigbee.RTM.), and
long-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used
by computer system 1100. In one or more embodiments, information
regarding use of services can be generated including services being
accessed, media consumption history, user preferences, and so
forth. This information can be obtained by various methods
including user input, detecting types of communications (e.g.,
video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams, and
so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring of this
information can be responsive to an authorization provided by the
user.
[0086] The illustrations of embodiments described herein are
intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of
various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a
complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus
and systems that might make use of the structures described herein.
Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the
art upon reviewing the above description. The exemplary embodiments
can include combinations of features and/or steps from multiple
embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived
therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and
changes may be made without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be
drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated,
while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and
drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense.
[0087] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
which achieves the same or similar purpose may be substituted for
the embodiments described or shown by the subject disclosure. The
subject disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or
variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above
embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described
herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. For instance, one or
more features from one or more embodiments can be combined with one
or more features of one or more other embodiments. In one or more
embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be
negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or without
replacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The
steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the
subject disclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or
functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject
disclosure can be performed alone or in combination with other
steps or functions of the subject disclosure, as well as from other
embodiments or from other steps that have not been described in the
subject disclosure. Further, more than or less than all of the
features described with respect to an embodiment can also be
utilized.
[0088] Less than all of the steps or functions described with
respect to the exemplary processes or methods can also be performed
in one or more of the exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of
numerical terms to describe a device, component, step or function,
such as first, second, third, and so forth, is not intended to
describe an order or function unless expressly stated so. The use
of the terms first, second, third and so forth, is generally to
distinguish between devices, components, steps or functions unless
expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, one or more devices or
components described with respect to the exemplary embodiments can
facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating (e.g.,
facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection) can
include less than every step needed to perform the function or can
include all of the steps needed to perform the function.
[0089] In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a
controller or circuit) has been described that performs various
functions. It should be understood that the processor can be
multiple processors, which can include distributed processors or
parallel processors in a single machine or multiple machines. The
processor can be used in supporting a virtual processing
environment. The virtual processing environment may support one or
more virtual machines representing computers, servers, or other
computing devices. In such virtual machines, components such as
microprocessors and storage devices may be virtualized or logically
represented. The processor can include a state machine, application
specific integrated circuit, and/or programmable gate array
including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when a processor
executes instructions to perform "operations", this can include the
processor performing the operations directly and/or facilitating,
directing, or cooperating with another device or component to
perform the operations.
[0090] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the
understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the
scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing
Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are
grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of
streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be
interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments
require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.
Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter
lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.
Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately
claimed subject matter.
* * * * *